Cyclic Aperture Flow Regulator for Surgical Aspiration Surge Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical aspiration systems face challenges in maintaining stable ambient or super-ambient pressure within body cavities during procedures, leading to fluid surges and potential tissue damage due to high vacuum levels, which limits the ability to aspirate large tissue particles and requires excessive irrigation fluid, causing tissue instability and damage.
Innovation Solution
A cyclic aperture flow regulator system with a valve portion having an adjustable cross-sectional area, controlled by an actuator and controller, which modulates the fluid aperture to prevent post-occlusion instability by reducing the cross-sectional area during occlusions, allowing for high vacuum use while maintaining stable flow rates and reflux capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high vacuum levels are used to aspirate tissue fragments faster, then productivity is improved, but fluid surges occur causing tissue damage and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamically adjustable flow regulator valve that can change its opening degree in real-time based on detected flow conditions. The valve transitions from a static component to a dynamic control element that responds to occlusion events and adjusts aperture size accordingly, enabling the system to maintain high vacuum levels while preventing fluid surges through active adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a flow sensor that continuously monitors the aspiration flow and provides feedback to a controller. When an occlusion is detected (indicating potential fluid surge conditions), the controller adjusts the flow regulator valve to reduce flow and prevent surge. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to safely operate at high vacuum levels by automatically responding to changing flow conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high vacuum levels are used to reduce ultrasound energy, then use of energy by moving object is improved, but tissue damage risk increases due to post-occlusion surges
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of high vacuum-induced fluid surges into a beneficial control mechanism. By using flow sensors to detect surge conditions and automatically adjusting the flow regulator valve in response, the system transforms what would be a damaging uncontrolled surge into a regulated, safe flow pattern. This allows high vacuum levels to be used for energy efficiency while preventing tissue damage through automated surge prevention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger quantities of irrigation fluid are introduced to distend the body cavity, then stability of the object's composition is improved, but loss of substance increases due to extravasation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator valve operates autonomously to balance the irrigation fluid flow, eliminating the need for external manual control. The valve self-adjusts based on flow sensor feedback, automatically reducing irrigation fluid extravasation while maintaining adequate body cavity distension. This self-regulating mechanism reduces fluid loss without compromising surgical site stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents fluid surges and tissue damage by stabilizing flow rates during occlusions, enabling safe use of high vacuum levels and efficient aspiration of tissue fragments with reduced need for auxiliary energy, such as ultrasound, while minimizing tissue disruption and improving surgical safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The flow regulator valve has a valve chamber and a movable member both parts cooperating to define the dimensions of the fluid aperture by the extent of overlap between the movable member and the entrance to fluid passages disposed in the valve chamber
Implementation Method 2
The flow regulator valve portion is inserted in the fluid path connecting the aspiration opening of the surgical probe with a vacuum source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A cyclic aperture flow regulator system is disclosed to control flow exiting from a body cavity during surgery in a way that post-occlusion surges are effectively suppressed. The system is composed by an adjustable fluid aperture installed in a fluid path connecting the aspiration port of a surgical probe with a vacuum source, the probe to be inserted in a body cavity. The cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture can be modified by the action of an actuator portion driven by a controller. The controller commands the actuators in the actuator portion to modify the cross-sectional area of the adjustable fluid aperture in cycles. Each cycle of aperture dimension fluctuation includes at least one segment where the fluid aperture cross-sectional area is substantially reduced. The segment of each cycle where the cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture is substantially reduced can optionally include a transient complete closure of the aperture. The cycles of fluid aperture fluctuation are programmed to occur at a rate fast enough to produce a substantially steady flow, with minimum flow ripple and pressure ripple. Flow rate across the cyclic aperture flow regulator system is a function of the vacuum level of the vacuum source and can be regulated by adjusting the level of the vacuum. Flow rate across the cyclic aperture flow regulator system is also a function of the RMS value of the cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture and can be regulated by adjusting the amplitude of the waveform of each cycle.